Shelf stable, high moisture fruit confections produced from secondary fruit products

ABSTRACT

The present invention is direct to an co-fruit pulp based edible composition in which an agricultural fruit byproduct base material, in conjunction with a hydrocolloid, is treated with pressure and/or heat to form an edible composition that is dimensionally stable, ambient stable for at least 9 months, has a moisture content greater than 50 wt. %, has a pH less than 4.5, has a water activity greater than 0.5, is commercially sterile, is free of artificial flavors and/or artificial colors, has a solids content greater than 10 wt. %, and does not exhibit syneresis or exhibits syneresis. Alternatively, the base material contains an edible fruit and/or vegetable and/or nut byproduct alone or in combination with the co-fruit pulp. Also provided is a method for preparation of the edible composition.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to food products and to their methods of preparation. More particular, the present invention relates to a packaged fruit pulp based edible composition, that is dimensionally stable, is ambient stable for at least 9 months, has a moisture content greater than 50 wt. %, is commercially sterile, has a solids content greater than 10 wt. %, and exhibits a minimal amount of syneresis, as well as to their methods of preparation using pressure and/or heat.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Increased health awareness has led to increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables as a snack food. However, fresh fruits and vegetables are seasonal, and undergo fairly rapid spoilage. Furthermore, certain fresh fruits are not easy to consume as a snack food, especially by children.

Although fruit based snack foods having extended shelf lives are commercially available, these often include additives (e.g., added sugar, artificial sweeteners and colors, etc.) which may be considered undesirable by consumers. Such products may be in dried forms (e.g. fruit leather and fruit strips, etc) which fail to deliver the important hydration sensation during raw fruit consumption and result in calorie dense products. In other cases, the product may be in dimensionally unstable form (e.g. liquid, sauce) which may be inconvenient for consumers during handling and consumption and also lack the texture sensation and consumer experience (e.g. bite, chew type of behaviors) offered by raw fruits. Additionally, compared to liquid forms, solid products may better help regulate satiety. (Ref: Wijlens AG1, Erkner A, etc, Obesity (Silver Spring). 2012 November; 20(11):2226-32. Effects of oral and gastric stimulation on appetite and energy intake.)

Additionally these snack foods are often subjected to process conditions (e.g., high heat to cook and/or sterilize) that significantly change their natural organoleptic profile (e.g. flavor, aroma, appearance, nutritional value, etc.). These changes can negatively impact consumer appeal. Also, fruit can be expensive making fruit-based products economically unviable.

Certain agricultural plants are commonly grown primarily for one product but produce additional secondary products which have lessor economic value but are still worth collecting if there is a market for them. One example is cacao which is grown primarily for the cocoa beans which grow inside a fruiting body called a cocoa pod. The pod also contains pulp (cacao pulp) which like other fruits is composed of water, sugars and fiber. This cacao pulp has had limited commercial value and is often discarded or consumed on the spot by agricultural workers when the fruit is harvested. Similarly, cashew apples and coffee cherries contain pulpy fruit material in addition to the commercially desirable cashews and coffee beans. These secondary fruit products are commonly used as mulch, animal feed or other low-value purposes. This is in spite of the fact that the fruit co-products are palatable and highly nutritious.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,586,121 discloses a packaged, shelf-stable, gelled natural fruit pulp, in which the natural pectin of the fruit pulp has been substantially demethoxylated by the action of pectin methyl esterase under ultra-high pressure (UHP) conditions. Also provided is a method of preparation of the packaged, shelf-stable or ambient stable, natural fruit product.

WO 94/12055 discloses a method for preparing a fruit or vegetable gel that includes the addition of pectin esterase to a pulp formed from a fruit or vegetable to demethoxylate the pectin present therein. Optionally, calcium chloride is added, and then the resulting mixture is allowed to form a gel, which may be further processed to obtain the desired food. Notably, the product is not stable or packaged, and is intended as an intermediate for addition to dairy, bakery or confectionery products.

The Malaysian Cacao Board in promotional literature (see http://www.koko.gov.my/lkm/getfile.asp?id=1307), advertises the formation of Cacao Pulp Jelly, a semisolid, easy-to-prepare mixture of cacao pulp, fruit juice and sugar. It is prepared by boiling fresh cacao pulp mixed with substantial amounts of refined sugar and optional flavorings.

The African Cashew Initiative reports that cashew apple in Brazil is processed into fresh and dried fruit, jams, wines, candies and animal feed. Still, only 12% of the fruit is actually used for these purposes.

Accordingly, a need remains for a co-fruit pulp based edible composition that is ambient stable and prepared without conventional cooking, and still possesses many of the positive attributes or features of the cacao pulp from which it is derived, including the natural color, flavor, aroma and/or nutritional value. Ideally, the co-fruit pulp-based edible composition has the benefit of having no added refined sugar or artificial sweeteners, has a balanced fruit nutrition profile, does not cause digestive issues and has low pH (typically below 4.5) as a natural microbial growth hurdle to enable minimal processing. The product is dimensionally stable for convenient packaging and consumption.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present inventors have devised methods of making such products and edible compositions. The methods further have the advantages of minimal processing and minimal use of non-natural ingredients.

In one aspect, the present invention is directed to an edible composition comprising (a) a co-fruit base material, (b) a hydrocolloid selected from the group consisting of pectin, agar, locust bean gum, carrageenan, guar gum, tamarind gum and combinations thereof, wherein said edible composition (i) is dimensionally stable, (ii) is stable for at least 12 months at ambient conditions when maintained in a sealed package, (iii) has a moisture content of greater than 50 wt. %, (iv) has a pH of less than 4.5 (achieved either naturally or through acidification with acidulants), (v) has a water activity of at least 0.5, (vi) is commercially sterile, (vii) is free of artificial flavors, (viii) has a solids content of greater than 10 wt. %, and (ix) exhibits a minimal amount of syneresis, wherein the edible composition is contained in a sealed package.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to an edible composition comprising (a) an edible co-fruit base material, (b) a hydrocolloid selected from the group consisting of pectin, agar, gellan gum, locust bean gum, carrageenan, guar gum, tamarind gum and combinations thereof, wherein said edible composition (i) is dimensionally stable, (ii) is stable for at least 9 months at ambient conditions when maintained in a sealed package, (iii) has a moisture content of greater than 50 wt. %, (iv) has a pH of less than 4.5 (achieved either naturally or through acidification with acidulants), (v) has a water activity of at least 0.5, (vi) is commercially sterile, (vii) has a solids content of greater than 10 wt. %, and (viii) exhibits a minimal amount of syneresis, wherein the edible composition is contained in a sealed package.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of preparing of a co-fruit pulp based edible composition, said method comprising:

forming a mixture comprising

-   -   (i) a co-fruit pulp base material, and     -   (ii) a hydrocolloid selected from the group consisting of         pectin, agar, gellan gum, locust bean gum, carrageenan, guar         gum, tamarind gum and combinations thereof,

exposing the mixture to heat and/or pressure sufficient to render the mixture commercially sterile, and

packaging the mixture,

wherein the edible composition is (i) is dimensionally stable, (ii) is stable for 9 months at ambient conditions when maintained in a sealed package, (iii) has a moisture content of greater than 50 wt. %, (iv) has a pH of less than 4.5 (achieved either naturally or through acidification with acidulants), (v) has a water activity of at least 0.5, (vi) is commercially sterile, (vii) has a solids content of greater than 10 wt. %, and (viii) exhibits a minimal amount of syneresis.

In yet another aspect of the method detailed above, the mixture is packaged and then exposed to the heat and/or pressure. In an alternative aspect, the mixture is exposed to heat and/or pressure and then packaged.

In yet another aspect of one or more embodiments of the compositions and methods detailed above, the base material may comprise a co-fruit pulp concentrate, a co-fruit pulp, a co-fruit pulp puree, a co-fruit pulp paste, a co-fruit pulp liquor, and/or a co-fruit pulp byproduct. In some embodiments of the invention, the edible composition contains no added sugars.

In some embodiments, the co-fruit material is derived from cacao pulp.

In some embodiments, the co-fruit material is derived from coffee cherries.

In some embodiments, the co-fruit material is derived from cashew apples.

In some embodiments, the edible composition is free of artificial flavors.

In some embodiments, the edible composition is free of artificial or high-intensity sweeteners.

In some embodiments, the edible composition is free of added refined sugar.

In some embodiments, the edible composition is free of any added sugar.

Optionally, the edible composition as detailed above may further comprise a mixture of different fruits and/or vegetables and/or nuts or some combination thereof. In some embodiments of one or more of the methods and compositions detailed above, the mixture may further comprise an enzyme, an acidulant, a flavoring, a coloring, a sweetener, an antioxidant, a non-dairy based protein source, a fiber source, cocoa flavanols/cocoa liquor/cocoa powder, a nutritional supplement or some combinations thereof. The mixture may consist or consist essentially of the recited ingredients.

One skilled in the art will recognize that cacao pulp, coffee cherry and cashew apple are only examples of co-fruits which may be employed in the edible compositions herein described.

The confectionery composition may additionally contain edible fruit and/or vegetable and/or nut byproducts in addition to co-fruits. The preparation of fruit and/or vegetable juices is one process that often generates a byproduct having a useful organoleptic profile and/or nutritional value when compared to the original fruit and/or vegetable material despite the removal of much of the liquid. Orange pulp, citrus peel, banana byproducts, grape pomace, carrot peels and similar material are some of the non-limiting examples encompassed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The disclosure will be better understood, and features, aspects and advantages other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such detailed description makes reference to the following figure, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of the composition of the cacao seed pod from the Theobroma cacao plant.

FIG. 2 . An illustration of the composition of the coffee cherry from the Coffea coffee plant.

FIG. 3 . An illustration of the composition of the cashew apple from the Anacardium occidentale cashew tree.

FIG. 4 is a graph comparing initial bite texture measured by a compressions test for commercial fruit products and fresh fruit pieces.

FIG. 5 is a graph comparing initial bite texture measured by a compressions test for fresh fruit pieces and compositions of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a packaged, co-fruit based edible composition is provided that is dimensionally stable, ambient stable for at least 9 months, has a moisture content greater than 50 wt. %, has a pH less than 4.5 (achieved either naturally or through acidification with acidulants), has a water activity greater than 0.5, is commercially sterile, is free of artificial flavors, has a solids content greater than 10 wt. %, and exhibit minimal amount of syneresis, while advantageously possessing many of the positive attributes or features of the base material from which it is derived, including the natural color, flavor, aroma and/or nutritional value. Such a composition may be prepared using a co-fruit based mixture, a hydrocolloid and any optional additional ingredients and a heat and/or pressure process. The use of co-fruit as the base material enables an edible composition to be obtained that utilizes nutritionally valuable co-fruit byproducts that may otherwise go unused. The edible composition has an optimum balance of water and solid content, such that it has a unique texture while being stable in ambient conditions. In addition, the use of co-fruit allows for the preparation of an edible composition that does not require or need the addition of refined sugar or artificial sweeteners but could use other forms of added sugar.

I. Definitions

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure belongs. Although any methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure, the preferred materials and methods are described below.

The term “fruit” refers generally to the edible portions of fruit, e.g. fruit flesh and edible fruit skins. In various embodiments that comprise fruit, they generally do not contain fruit seeds or stones having maximum dimension greater than about 2 mm nor do they generally contain thick fruit peels such mango peel or apple peel. In some embodiments the skin is removed from the fruit. In other embodiments, the skin is not removed.

The term “co-fruit” refers to any fruit which is a secondary product from an agricultural plant which is grown primarily for its non-fruit plant parts. The primary product may be seeds, beans, nuts, leaves, flowers, roots, tubers, bulbs, or stems. “Co-fruit” may also refer to portions of the fruit—for example watermelon rinds—which are discarded in processes which produce products from the more desirable fruit parts. The term is used herein in the culinary sense rather than the botanical classification.

The term “fruit pulp” herein refers to a pulp obtained by comminuting a natural, fresh fruit. The pulp may comprise, or consist essentially of, a pulp that has been concentrated by evaporation or other means, or it may consist essentially of full moisture fruit pulp. Preferably, the fruit pulp consists essentially of comminuted fruit flesh. However, the pulp preferably has not been treated at a temperature above about 70° C., more preferably it has not been treated at a temperature above about 50° C., and most preferably it has not been treated with heat (i.e. it has been kept at ambient temperature or below). It will be appreciated that the fruit may have been frozen for storage and/or transport either before or after comminution to produce the pulp. Additionally, in various embodiments, fruit pulp may be the same as a fruit puree (as further detailed below), or alternatively is the starting material for the preparation of a fruit concentrate or a fruit paste.

Cacao pulp is a by-product of cacao bean harvesting. It is a white mucilaginous layer, which firmly envelops individual seeds of the fruit of the Theobroma cacao plant as shown in FIG. 1 . It is formed during pod development from the endocarp meristem and makes up approximately 40% of fresh seed weight and about 10% of overall fresh pod weight. Cacao pulp is commercially available and can be purchased, for example, from Agro Inova (www.suavva.com).

Cacao pulp and mucilage typically contains 80-90% water, 10-15% sugar, 0.4-2.0% citric acid, 1% pectin and other constituents including pentosans, polyphenols and antioxidants. Cacao pulp and mucilage has both a high polyphenol and antioxidant content, and is sometimes referred to as a “superfood” having significant health benefits. It has been used to make juice, cocoa jelly, alcohol, vinegar and puree. 800 kg of seeds contains approximately 40 liters of pulp and mucilage. However, it has been found that the nutritionally beneficial components of cacao pulp and mucilage such as polyphenols begin to oxidize and degrade as soon as the pulp and mucilage is released from the cacao pod and begins to ferment. Additionally, cacao pulp offers an additional revenue stream to communities that harvest cacao pods for chocolate production. One such method of separating the cacao pulp from the seeds is detailed in US 20130316056.

Coffee cherry pulp (also identified as coffee fruit without the beans) is a by-product of coffee manufacturing. It represents around 43% of the weight of the coffee fruit on a fresh weight basis, or approximately 28% (26-30%) of the coffee fruit on a dry weight basis. The mucilage, about 5% (5-14%) of the dry weight of the fruit, may or may not be included in the coffee cherry pulp. The coffee pulp is typically obtained either by subjecting fruit to a depulping operation using water, or by first drying it, followed by a dehulling operation. The fresh pulp typically includes about 60 to 80% moisture. The dry solids typically comprise 17 to 28% fiber, 10 to 13% protein, 2 to 10% minerals (ash), and 50 to 70% sugars and higher carbohydrates. It has a pH in the range of 4 to 5.5.

Cashew apple pulp (also identified as cashew fruit pulp) is a by-product of cashew nut production. The cashew apple is considered an “accessary fruit” of Anacardium occidentale. The true fruit is the cashew nut in its shell which is attached to the apple. The cashew apple typically contains about 75% water. The dry solids typically comprise about 14% protein, 12% fiber, 27% sugar, and 1.4% minerals (ash).

Other co-fruit materials can be prepared in the same manner and can be utilized as an optional additional additive in any of the compositions described herein. In general, any co-fruit material may be used. However, it may be necessary to adjust water, sugar and acid levels depending on the composition of the co-fruit product.

Fruit puree is defined as chopped, homogenized fresh or frozen fruit in its natural composition. No additional components have been added. It can be prepared, for example, by blending fresh fruit or fruit pulp in a standard food processor or blender until homogeneous. The fruit may or may not include the skin of the fruit based up the identity of the fruit and the thickness of the skin. In some embodiments the skin is removed from the fruit pulp before blending (e.g., mangos, apples, bananas, etc.). In some embodiments, the skin is not removed from the fruit before blending (e.g., raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, etc.). Although the range may vary with the type of fruit being pureed, in various embodiments the fruit puree will typically have a water content of about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, about 95% or more, by weight (the water content ranging for example from about 80% to about 95%, or about 85% to about 95%); stated another way, the puree may have a solid (e.g., sugar) content of about 20 Brix, about 15 Brix, about 10 Brix, or less (the solids (e.g., sugar) content ranging for example from about 5 to about 20 Brix, or about 5 to about 15 Brix). Co-fruit puree is similarly defined in that nothing is added to the homogenized co-fruit pulp.

Vegetable and nut purees can be prepared in the same manner and can be utilized as an optional additional additive in any of the compositions described herein. For vegetables and nuts, only the edible portion is used, and the shell or inedible portions are separated as necessary prior to use.

Fruit paste is defined as a puree with most of the water content removed. The water removal is done using methods generally known in the art (e.g., heat, evaporation, freeze drying, or any other standard method). Preferably, the water is removed under conditions which limit or prevent unwanted degradation (e.g., cooking) of the starting material. For example, in one particular embodiment water removal is achieved by means of freeze drying or heating under vacuum, so that little if any cooking of the starting material occurs. Although the range may vary, the fruit paste typically has a water content of about 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, or less, by weight (the water content ranging for example from about 15% to about 30%, or about 20% to about 30%); stated another way, the fruit paste may have a solids (e.g., sugar) content of about 70 Brix, about 75 Brix, about 80 Brix, about 85 Brix, or more (the solids (e.g., sugar) content ranging for example from about 70 to about 85 Brix, or about 70 to about 80 Brix). Typically, the fruit paste has a consistency similar to that of thick dough. For example, Paradise Fruits by Jahncke (www.paradisefruits.co.uk) sells numerous fruit pastes including, but not limited to, raspberry, apple, mango, cherry and orange. Co-fruit paste is similarly defined in that most of the water content has been removed from co-fruit pulp using methods known in the art.

Vegetable and nut pastes (e.g., almond or peanut butter) can be prepared in a similar manner and may be utilized as an optional additional additive in any of the compositions described herein.

Fruit concentrate is intermediate between fruit puree and fruit paste, having a higher solids concentration/lower water concentration than a fruit puree but a lower solids concentration/high water concentration than a fruit paste, inasmuch as some of the water has been removed from the fruit puree using methods generally known in the art, thereby increasing the amount of dissolved solids and sugars. Typically, however, the water concentration will be less than 80%, and in some instances will be about 75%, about 70%, about 65%, or about 60% by weight (the water concentration ranging for example from about 60%, to about 75%, or about 65% to about 70%); stated another way, the fruit concentrate will typically have a solids (e.g., sugar) content of greater than 20 Brix, and in some instances will be about 25 Brix, about 30 Brix, about 35 Brix, or about 40 Brix (the solids (e.g., sugar) content ranging for example from about 20 to about 40 Brix, or about 25 to about 35 Brix). Many are commercially available. For example, TreeTop® (www.treetop.com) sells numerous fruit concentrates including, but not limited to, mango, apple, pear, and blueberry. Co-fruit concentrate is similarly defined in that some of the water content has been removed from co-fruit pulp.

Vegetable and nut concentrates can be prepared in a similar manner and may be utilized in any of the compositions described herein.

“Shelf stable” refers to a product that can be stored at typical chill cabinet temperatures of about 7° C. for a period of at least 3 months, at least 6 months, at least 9 months, at least 12 months, or more without unacceptable deterioration of organoleptic properties or appearance, or without developing microbiological activity outside regulatory limits.

“Ambient stable” refers to a product that can be stored at typical ambient temperatures, such as 20-25° C. and 60% relative humidity, for a period typically of at least 3 months, at least 6 months, at least 9 months, at least 12 months, or more without unacceptable deterioration of organoleptic properties or appearance, or without developing microbiological activity outside regulatory limits.

A “high moisture” product is defined as having greater than 50% water content, and in some instances may have a moisture content of about 55%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about 85% or more, by weight, but will typically have a moisture content within the range of about 55% to about 85%, or about 60% to about 80%. Additionally, or alternatively, the product may have a water activity of greater than 0.7, greater than 0.8, greater than 0.9, from about 0.7 to about 1, or some value in between this range (e.g., about 0.85, about 0.9, or about 0.95). Water activity (A_(W)) is the partial vapor pressure of water in a substance divided by the standard state partial vapor pressure of water and expressed mathematically as A_(W)=P/P₀, where P is the vapor pressure of water in the substance, and P₀ is the vapor pressure of pure water at the same temperature. In the field of food science, the standard state is defined as the partial vapor pressure of pure water at the same temperature.

An “intermediate moisture” product is defined as having between 15% and 50% moisture content by weight, and/or and a water activity of from 0.4 to 0.8.

A “low moisture” product is defined as having less than 15% moisture content by weight, and/or a water activity below 0.4.

As is known in the art, low and intermediate moisture food products naturally inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast and mold that are responsible for food spoilage. The possibility of spoilage directly affects the shelf life, storage stability, and storage conditions of a food product. For a food to have a useful shelf life without relying on refrigerated storage, it is necessary to control the pH, the water activity or a combination thereof. It is an advantage of the present invention to provide an edible composition with a water activity greater than 0.5 that is ambient stable. It is another advantage of the present invention to provide an edible composition with a water activity greater than 0.5 that is shelf stable.

The term “ultra-high pressure” refers to an isostatic pressure of at least about 200 MPa. Higher pressures are also included in this definition.

Heat processing is defined as the combination of temperature and time required to eliminate a desired number of microorganisms from a food product. The temperature may be generated by any suitable means including, but not limited to, electromagnetic radiation.

“Electromagnetic radiation” is defined so as to encompass the electromagnetic spectrum as is understood in the art. Examples of electromagnetic radiation include, but are not limited to, microwaves, radio waves, ultraviolet, and infrared. Devices that created focused electromagnetic energy are known in the art, for example a microwave oven.

“Commercial sterility” of thermally processed food, as defined by the US Food and Drug Administration, means the condition achieved—

(i) By the application of heat which renders the food free of—

-   -   (a) Microorganisms capable of reproducing in the food under         normal nonrefrigerated conditions of storage and distribution;         and     -   (b) Viable microorganisms (including spores) of public health         significance; or

(ii) By the control of water activity and the application of heat, which renders the food free of microorganisms capable of reproducing in the food under normal nonrefrigerated conditions of storage and distribution.

“Commercial sterility” of equipment and containers used for aseptic processing and packaging of food means the condition achieved by application of heat, chemical sterilant(s), or other appropriate treatment that renders the equipment and containers free of viable microorganisms having public health significance, as well as microorganisms of nonhealth significance, capable of reproducing in the food under normal nonrefrigerated conditions of storage and distribution.

The organoleptic properties of the edible composition are any properties that are associated with the taste (e.g., flavor), sight (e.g., color), smell (e.g., aroma), and/or touch (e.g., texture) of the final product.

A byproduct is defined as a secondary product derived from a manufacturing process, chemical reaction, or other process in which said byproduct is not the primary target output of the process. In terms of this application, the byproduct is of fruit and/or vegetable and/or nut origin. Examples of byproducts that are relevant to this invention include, but are not limited to, the skin of a mango, the peel of a citrus fruit, the pomace of grapes, the skin of a carrot, and the skin of a banana. Cacao pulp is another example of such a byproduct in that it is a secondary product from the harvesting of cacao seeds for the production of chocolate. While cacao pulp has significant nutritional value, its use in additional commercial products is only beginning to be explored. Such byproducts are often generated when food and/or vegetable and/or nuts are processed for commercial use, and they are often discarded despite having significant value. One skilled in the art will recognize that this invention is applicable to any edible fruit and/or vegetable and/or nut byproduct. Any description herein to an edible composition or a cacao pulp based edible composition is equally encompassed by one or more edible fruit and/or vegetable and/or nut byproducts as the source of the base material. It is an advantage of the present application to provide an edible composition prepared from edible fruit and/or vegetable and/or nut byproducts.

All percentages described herein are on a weight/weight basis unless otherwise specified.

II. Co-fruit Based Edible Composition

As described herein, this application relates to a fofruit based edible composition, wherein said edible composition comprises a co-fruit base material, and a hydrocolloid. Said composition is advantageously dimensionally stable, ambient stable for at least 12 months, has a moisture content greater than 50 wt. %, has a pH less than 4.5, has a water activity greater than 0.5, is commercially sterile, is free of artificial flavors, has a solids content greater than 10 wt. %, and does not exhibit syneresis. Additionally, the edible composition retains one or more of the organoleptic properties and/or nutritional values of the base material from which it is derived or prepared.

The edible composition may be prepared without the addition of refined sugar or artificial sweetener. However, in some embodiments, the edible composition further comprises one or more optional additives that are selected from a fruit (in the form of a pulp, paste, puree, concentrate, or any combination thereof), a vegetable (in the form of a pulp, paste, puree, concentrate, or any combination thereof), a nut (in the form of a pulp, paste, puree, concentrate, or any combination thereof), an enzyme, an acidulant, a nutritional supplement, a sweetener, a divalent metal ion, an antioxidant, a coloring, a flavoring and/or combinations thereof. The final product is an edible composition suitable for packaging in single or multiple serving sizes.

Because this invention relates to edible compositions intended for human consumption, all ingredients, additives and other additions to any composition or used in any method are generally regarded as safe (GRAS) as designated by the United States FDA or FEMA GRAS as designated by the International Flavor and Manufacturing Association.

In some embodiments, the edible composition according to the present invention may be 100% organic as defined by the US Department of Agriculture, the European Commission or appropriate certifying organization. The products are preferably substantially or completely free of artificial food additives. In some embodiments the edible composition is 100% all natural ingredients.

As previously noted, the edible composition of the present invention advantageously has an optimal balance between water or moisture content and solid content, such that it has a unique texture and maintains one or more of the organoleptic and/or nutritional benefits of the a base material from which it is derived or prepared. Typically, the edible composition has a moisture content of about 50%, about 55%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about 85% or more, by weight, but will typically have a moisture content within the range of about 50% to about 95%, or about 60% to about 80%. However, it is understood that the edible composition will be within appropriate safe antimicrobial limits as determined the United States FDA, the European Commission or appropriately designated regulatory agency.

It should be recognized that the edible composition is in the form of a gelatinous, dimensionally stable solid that has a unique, desirable texture. This can be described in terms of bloom, a measure of gel strength. Bloom is the force, expressed in grams of force or Newtons, necessary to depress the surface of a gel by 4 mm with a standard 0.5″ diameter cylindrical probe (AOAC TA-10 probe) When measuring a pure gelatin, a reference sample of gel has a concentration of 6.67% and has been kept for 17 hours at 10° C. The same method may be applied any gelled compositions, but the concentration and testing conditions vary based on the application and nature of the composition. Gel strength increases with concentration and time as the gel matures. It decreases with temperature.

It some embodiments, the bloom of the edible composition may be greater than 250, greater than 300, greater than 400, or even greater than 500, or more. Alternatively, the edible composition may have a bloom typically between about 250 and 500, or about 300 and 400. In these or other embodiments, the gel will have texture strength as determined by standard compression testing typically greater than 500 g of force (4.9 N), greater than 1000 g of force (9.8 N), greater than 1500 g of force (14.7 N), greater than 2000 g of force (19.6 N), greater than 2250 g of force (22.1 N), or even greater than 2500 g of force (25.6 N). Alternatively, the edible composition may have a texture strength typically between about 500 and 2500 g of force, or about 1500 and 2500 g of force.

In some embodiments, the initial bite texture of the compositions will more closely resemble that of ripe fruit pieces compared to prior art fruit-based shelf stable compositions. Combined with the high moisture content and natural flavor of the product, this gives the consumer an experience more closely resembling the sensations of fresh fruit. In some embodiments, compositions of the present invention will exhibit an initial bite compression value of less than 5000 grams or less than 2500 grams or less than 1500 grams. In some embodiments, the composition will be formulated to have an initial bite compression value close to that of the corresponding fresh fruit. For example, a mango-flavored embodiment may be formulated to have an initial bite compression value similar to that of a piece of fresh mango. The resemblance of the initial bite texture of certain embodiments of the present invention to that of ripe fruit pieces can be demonstrated through measurements of compression force of the product. The following compression testing method was performed on fruit and fruit-based compositions:

Initial Bite Compression Testing Method

-   -   Remove samples from packaging (if applicable) and place on hard         surface. Using a ¾ inch cork and rubber punch, cut out         cylindrical samples. Adjust the height (thickness) to be about         10-11 mm with a straight razor. If samples were stored in         non-ambient environmental conditions, allow samples to come to         room temperature before testing. Samples need to be homogenous         and able to conform to the sample requirements and dimensions.     -   Attach the 50 mm diameter aluminum cylindrical probe (P/50) to a         Stable Micro Systems Ltd. Texture Analyzer TA.XT Plus. Using the         Exponent Software, calibrate the force with a 2 kg weight,         calibrate the height, and calibrate the frame stiffness to 3000         g for the 5 kg load cell and 45000 g for the 50 kg load cell.     -   Enter the sample dimensions into the parameters tab under Test         Configuration. Make sure that the correct probe is selected         (P/50; 50 mm DIA CYLINDER ALUMINUM) under the probe selection         tab. Enter the following parameters into the TA settings menu:         -   Test Mode: Compression         -   Pre-Test Speed: 1.00 mm/sec         -   Test Speed: 1.00 mm/sec         -   Post-Test Speed: 1.00 mm/sec         -   Target Mode: Force         -   Force: 39 N (for 5 kg load cell) 400 N (for 50 kg load cell)         -   Trigger Type: Auto (Force)         -   Trigger Force: 0.049 N         -   Break Mode: Off         -   Stop Plot at: Start Position         -   Tare Mode: Auto         -   Advanced Options: On         -   Control Oven: Disabled         -   Wait for Temperature: No         -   Frame Deflection Correction: On—Multi Point     -   Place sample on the platform under the probe in the center.         Bring the probe down close to the sample (but not touching the         sample). Once the sample is in place, select TA from the menus         and select “Run a Test”. Once the sample is named and saved in         the correction location, click start test at the bottom of the         pop up screen. The Exponent Software will send the parameters to         the texture analyzer and start running the test. The probe will         move towards the sample at 1 mm/sec, and once the probe and         sample reach a contact force of 0.049N (5 g), the data will         start to be recorded. The probe will continue to move towards         the sample until 39 N force is reached. Once that force is         reached, the probe will move away from the sample at 1 mm/sec         and return to the start position.     -   Exponent will produce a graph of Force (g) vs Time (sec). Peak         forces (g) are extracted where there is a peak in the graph         which relates to the point in which the gel or matrix structure         breaks. The strain (%) is also extracted at this same point. The         strain (%) is the percentage that the sample was able to be         compressed before the gel or matrix breaks. If the sample does         not “break”, the 50 kg load cell will have to be used with a         maximum target of 400 N. If the sample still does not “break”         under 400 N, take the force at 50% strain. Typically 5-10         samples are required to understand the sample and the natural         variability of the product.

As previously noted, the edible composition is advantageously shelf stable, ambient stable, or both. As a result, the present invention provides an edible composition that has many of the benefits or properties of the base material from which it is derived or prepared, but it may be stored for a much longer period of time. For example, in various embodiments, it may be shelf stable, ambient stable or both for at least 3 months, at least 6 months, at least 9 months, at least 12 months, or more.

In one or more embodiments, fresh co-fruit pulp is preferred for preparing the edible composition herein. However, previously frozen co-fruit pulp, canned co-fruit pulp, partially dehydrated co-fruit pulp or rehydrated co-fruit pulp, as well as frozen juices, concentrates, pastes, purees, nectars, liquors, powders, byproducts, frozen juice pulps and combinations thereof are also suitable for use.

The base material comprises the co-fruit pulp in the edible composition regardless of the form in which it is added, for example, but not limited to, pulp, puree, concentrate, paste, liquor or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the edible composition comprises greater than 30% of the base material, greater than 40% of the base material, greater than 50% of the base material, greater than 60% of the base material, greater than 70% of the base material, greater than 80% of the base material, greater than 90% of the base material, greater than 95% of the base material, or greater than 99% of the base material.

In some embodiments the co-fruit pulp may be augmented by one or more additional agricultural byproducts. Examples of byproducts that may optionally augment the co-fruit pulp include, but are not limited to, skins or peelings of fruit or vegetable products including, for example, the skin of a mango, the peel of a citrus fruit, the pomace of grapes, the skin of a carrot, and the skin of a banana.

The edible composition further comprises a hydrocolloid. Useful hydrocolloids herein include, but are not limited to, pectin, agar, gellan gum, locust bean gum, carrageenan, guar gum, tamarind gum, starches, caseinate, xanthan gum, konjac flour, alginate, modified starches, tapioca, plant proteins, dairy proteins and mixtures thereof. Preferred hydrocolloids are selected from the group consisting of pectin, agar, gellan gum, locust bean gum, carrageenan, guar gum, tamarind gum and combinations thereof. The composition can comprise from about 0.5 wt. % to about 12 wt. % of the hydrocolloid, about 1 wt. % to 8 wt. % about 2 wt. % to 6 wt. %.

In some embodiments, the hydrocolloid may be pectin. As is known in the art, pectin has different degrees of esterification (DE) where the DE is expressed as a percentage of methyl esters present in relation to the whole. In some embodiments, the pectin has a DE of less than 50 (LM—low methoxyl). In some embodiments the pectin has a DE of greater than or equal to 50 (HM—high methoxyl). In some embodiments, the LM pectin is amidated (LMA). The pectin may be added to the composition as a dry powder, as a solution wherein the powder is dissolved in a suitable quantity of water, or a combination thereof. The appropriate pectin is selected based on the natural pectin present in the base material (i.e. the fruit, vegetable and/or nut material) in the base material and the desired organoleptic profile of the edible composition. Chia seeds are known to comprise a high content of pectin, ascorbic acid, and calcium lactate, and, in some embodiments, it may be used as the source of pectin.

In some embodiments, the hydrocolloid may be agar. The basic material that is known as agar is derived from various genera and species of seaweeds in the class Rhodophyceae. The term agar as used in the present application includes all materials commonly so known in the art. Agar is commercially available and is furnished in the form of a dry powder or dried strips. In some embodiments, the agar may be added as a dry powder to the base material while, in other embodiments, it may be hydrated prior to addition to the base material. In some embodiments, a combination of dry powder agar and hydrated agar may both used. Many commercial formulations of agar are known in the art, and any agar composition suitable for use in food products is suitable for this application.

In some embodiments, the hydrocolloid may be gellan gum. The basic material that is known as gellan gum is a water-soluble anionic polysaccharide produced by the bacterium Sphingomonas elodea (formerly Pseudomonas elodea). The term gellan gum as used in the present application includes all materials commonly so known in the art. Gellan gum is commercially available and is furnished in the form of a dry powder. In some embodiments, the gellan gum may be added as a dry powder to the base material while, in other embodiments, it may be hydrated prior to addition to the base material. In some embodiments, a combination of dry powder gellan gum and hydrated gellan gum may both used. Many commercial formulations of gellan gum are known in the art, and any gellan gum composition suitable for use in food products is suitable for this application.

The present invention modifies the pectin or hydrocolloid present in the base material to form a gel. The pectins are demethoxylated by the action of added pectin methyl esterase under controlled conditions to produce demethoxylated pectins that form a gel with the water naturally present in the base material, and thereby bind it into a dimensionally stable gel matrix. A gel is dimensionally stable, and gel formation can be recognized, for example, by the mechanical properties of the product. In particular, the product is semi-solid and dimensionally stable; typically a gel has a texture intermediate that of natural fruit flesh and jelly. Gel formation may also be recognized by thermal analysis, as the gel will have a melting point endotherm that is detectable by differential scanning calorimetry. By way of illustration and not limitation, a dimensionally stable solid holds its shape when removed from any packaging or outside structural support for an extended period of time.

As previously noted, the edible composition of the present invention is gelatinous. Co-fruit pulp may contain endogenous pectin methyl esterase (PME) and polygalacturonase (PG) enzymes (a pectinase). The PME deesterifies the methoxy groups on the pectin chain to leave polygalacturonic acid. The carboxylate groups on the demethoxylated pectin crosslink through divalent metal ions, frequently calcium, resulting in gel formation. However, in some embodiments, when processed in accordance with the present invention, incubation of cacao pulp with the endogenous PME alone is insufficient to produce a dimensionally stable product suitable for consumption, packaging or handling. Therefore, in some embodiments, the mixture further comprises additional enzymes.

In some embodiments, the edible composition according to the present invention further comprises the addition of additional enzymes, especially pectin methyl esterase (PME), to the base material. The added PME can be obtained from various sources, including plants, bacteria or fungi. One PME obtained from a generally recognized as safe (GRAS) strain of Aspergillus niger is commercially available. Another preferred source of PME is fruit or vegetable pulps that are especially rich in PME, for example tomato pulp. The use of fruit or vegetable pulps as a source of PME reduces the number of additives in the mixture and makes possible the preparation of a 100% fruit and/or vegetable and/or nut edible composition. PME may be added in an amount sufficient to achieve a concentration in the mixture used to prepare the edible composition such that it is present in an amount of from about 0.05 wt. % to about 1.0 wt. %, or from about 0.3 wt. % to 0.5 wt. %. The amount of PME may be optimized based on the amount of endogenous enzyme and hydrocolloid present in the base material and the desired organoleptic profile of the edible composition.

Co-fruit products typically have a characteristic organoleptic profile, specifically taste, which is may be weak, unfamiliar or otherwise less than optimal for some consumers. With that in mind, a large variety of fruits and/or vegetables and/or nuts may be used as optional additional ingredients with the co-fruit pulp in the base material to create a unique and interesting taste profile that may be more appealing to consumers.

The present invention may optionally further comprise a wide variety of fruits including, but not limited to, aacai berries, apple, apricot, avocado, banana, blackberry, black currant, blueberry, boysenberry, cantaloupe, currant, cherry, cloudberry, coconut, cranberry, date, dragon fruit, elderberry, fig, goji berry, gooseberry, grapes, raisin, grapefruit, guava, huckleberry, jackfruit, jujube, juniper berry, kiwi, kumquat, lemon, lime, lychee, mandarin, mango, marion berry, melon, cantaloupe, honeydew, miracle fruit, mulberry, nectarine, olive, orange, blood orange, clementine, tangerine, papaya, passion fruit, peach, pear, persimmon, plum/prune, pineapple, pumpkin, pomegranate, pomelo, purple mangosteen, quince, raspberry, salmon berry, black raspberry, red currant, star fruit, strawberry, squash, tamarillo, tomato, ugli fruit, watermelon and mixtures thereof.

Some embodiments of the present invention may optionally further comprise a large variety of nuts, including, but not limited to, almonds, cashews, chestnuts, coconuts, hazelnuts, macadamia, peanut, pecan, pine nuts, pistachio, walnut, and mixtures thereof.

Some embodiments of the present invention may optionally further comprise a large variety of vegetables, including, but not limited to, artichoke, arugula, asparagus, amaranth, beans, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cassava root, cauliflower, celery, chard, collard greens, eggplant, endive, kale, kohlrabi, legumes, lettuce, maize, mushrooms, mustard greens, spinach, okra, onions, parsley, peppers, pumpkin, radicchio, rhubarb, root vegetables, radish, spinach, squash, sweet potato, tomato, tubers, water chestnut, watercress, yucca root, zucchini, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the composition may optionally further comprise one or more fruits and/or vegetables and/or nuts in addition to the cofuit pulp.

Syneresis is the expulsion of water from the matrix of a gel. It is caused by the slow collapse of the gel matrix which decreases the dimensions of the gel and increases the concentration of components in a system. Syneresis in a closed package in a food product is undesirable from both the perspective of consumer appeal, and the health and safety of the edible composition. As such, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide an edible composition that exhibits minimal, and preferably no, syneresis, particularly when stored at ambient conditions for an extended period of time (e.g., for at least 3 months, at least 6 months, at least 9 months, at least 12 months, or more).

In some embodiments, additional flavorings may be added to give the edible composition a suitable organoleptic profile. The flavor may come from natural sources in any physical form, including, but not limited to, a solid, a powder, an oil, a liquid, a concentrate, a paste, a puree, a liquor, or any combination thereof. The flavor is any flavor used in food products. The amount of flavoring is determined empirically based on the desired organoleptic profile of the edible composition. In some embodiments, the flavoring is the same type as the base material. In some embodiments, the flavoring is different from the base material. In some embodiments of the edible composition no additional flavoring is added.

In some embodiments, additional coloring may be added to the composition. Typically, the color may be selected so as to give the final product a color that is most closely associated with the base material from which is derived or prepared. In other embodiments, the color is selected to impart a specific color to the edible composition based on specific criteria, such as, but not limited to, product marketing or consumer appeal. In some embodiments, the color may be selected to impart a color more closely associated with an optional fruit and/or vegetable and/or nut used in the edible composition. In some embodiments of the edible composition no additional coloring is added.

The edible composition may further comprise a divalent metal ion added in the form of a salt. Without being limited to any particular theory, it is believed that some metal salts promote gel formation of the hydrocolloid, especially pectin. One suitable divalent metal ion is calcium, for example, in the form of calcium chloride, calcium acetate, calcium lactate, calcium lactate gluconate, calcium ascorbate or combinations thereof. Calcium lactate is preferred. The addition of a divalent metal ion salt is not necessary in all embodiments. The addition of additional fruit and/or vegetable and/or nuts in the base material may obviate the need for added calcium. For example, mango contains sufficient endogenous calcium for satisfactory gel formation without the addition of divalent metal ion salts. On the other hand, the addition of calcium salts may be used to achieve satisfactory gel formation of apple pulp. Even with the addition of added optional ingredients that are high in calcium, in some embodiment the addition of additional calcium may still be required to achieve the desired organoleptic profile of the edible composition. Where present, the divalent metal ion salt is typically added in an amount (as Ca²⁺) of from about 0.05 wt. % to about 3 wt. %, from about 0.05 wt. % to about 0.4 wt. %, from about 0.2 wt. % to 0.4 wt. %. Chia seeds are known to comprise a high pectin, ascorbic acid, and calcium lactate content, and, in some embodiments, it may be used as the source of calcium.

The edible composition according to the present invention optionally further comprises the addition of an acidulant. An acidulant may be an edible organic acid and/or acidic juice (e.g. lemon juice, lime juice, etc) added in sufficient amounts to provide the composition with a pH of about less than 4.5, less than 4.2, less than 4.0, less than 3.7. The particular pH selected from within this pH range may depend in part upon the hydrocolloid employed, the nature of the pulp used, the pH target needed for certain minimal processing, and/or the organoleptic profile desired in the edible composition. For example, satisfactory results may be obtained when the edible organic acidulants are employed at levels ranging from about 0.1 to 1.0 wt. %, preferably about 0.1 wt. % to about 0.6 wt. %, and most preferably from about 0.2 wt. % to about 0.4 wt. %.

A variety of edible organic acids can be used as the acidulant to adjust the pH of the edible composition as well as to modify the taste and tartness of the edible composition. Examples of suitable acids for use herein include, but are not limited to, acetic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, fumaric acid, ascorbic acid and mixtures thereof, especially in the form of the sodium, potassium and/or calcium salts thereof. In addition to providing a desired tartness to the flavor, such acidulants may affect the ability of the hydrocolloid to form a gel. Chia seeds are known to comprise a high pectin, ascorbic acid, and calcium lactate content, and, in some embodiments, it may be used as the source of an edible organic acid.

Although the edible composition in various embodiments advantageously has no refined sugar or other sweeteners (e.g., artificial sweeteners) added, in some embodiments, the edible composition may further comprise supplemental sweeteners such as, but not limited to, saccharine, aspartame, thaumatin, potassium acetylsulfame, sucralose, and mixtures thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Other suitable sweeteners that become permitted for use or commercially available from time to time can also be used. In some embodiments, the amount of the sweetener is determined empirically based on the desired organoleptic profile of the edible composition.

In certain embodiments the edible composition may further comprise an antioxidant to promote stability. A suitable antioxidant is ascorbic acid, which may also function as an acidulant or nutritional supplement. Preferably, the antioxidant is present in an amount of from about 0.1 wt. % to about 4 wt. %, preferably from about 0.1 wt. % to about 2 wt. %, based on the total weight of the pulp. The ascorbic acid may be derived from natural fruit in the pulp.

As is known in the art, many vitamins and minerals are heat labile and decompose quickly upon heating or cooking. Accordingly, the present methods and compositions advantageously permit the incorporation of nutritional supplements, especially nutritional supplements that are heat labile. The nutritional supplements include, but are not limited to, vitamin A, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacinamide), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine HCl), vitamin B12 (cobalmin), vitamin D (cholecalciferol), vitamin E, vitamin K (phytonadione), biotin, choline, niacin, folic acid, calcium, chromium, copper, ginseng, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, a nutritional supplement can serve as an additive in another category simultaneously. For example, ascorbic acid is an acidulant, antioxidant, and a nutritional supplement.

III. Packaging

The edible composition may be packaged in any suitable material for maintaining it in ambient stable and/or shelf stable condition for at least 3 months, at least 6 months, at least 9 months, at least 12 months, or more. A portion of the packaging may be transparent to allow inspection of the package contents. The packaging is substantially impermeable to microorganisms, and it is also substantially impermeable to gases such as oxygen, in order to maintain the freshness of the product. Preferably, the packaging is substantially oxygen-impermeable. For example, suitable packaging materials have an oxygen permeability at 23° C. and 50% relative humidity less than about 2 cm³/m²/day at 1 atm pressure. Suitable packaging films include, but are not limited to, oxygen barrier laminates such as C5045 Cryovac, and oxygen scavenging films.

The packaging may, for example be in the form of a container having rigid walls such as a glass or plastic jar or cup. Alternatively, the package may be a flexible pouch. The term “flexible pouch” refers to a closed container formed substantially or completely of a flexible sheet material. The sheet material normally comprises at least one continuous layer of thermoplastic film, or it may be a laminated sheet made up of more than one thermoplastic film layer. The sheet material making up the pouch may optionally further comprise a metal layer, such as an aluminum layer, to render the material oxygen-impermeable and to provide aesthetic effects.

The finished products may be formed into any suitably sized and shaped pieces. In some embodiments, the pieces are individually packaged as single serving products. Individual single servings vary in size but, in one or more embodiments may be between about 100 and about 120 g each. In another embodiment, mini-cups holding between 5 and 20 g of the edible composition are used. The edible composition may be placed or prepared inside of suitable packaging to minimize moisture gain or loss during extended storage at either shelf (less than about 7° C.) or ambient temperature (e.g., about 20-25° C.). Suitable packaging includes, but is not limited to, pouches fabricated from flexible packaging film or vacuum sealed single serve plastic cups.

In some embodiments, the packaging will be stable and safe to electromagnetic radiation processing, especially microwave processing. As such, the package is free of any material (e.g. an aluminum layer) which would be unsuitable for microwave exposure. Such packaging is known in the art and commercially available.

In some embodiments, the packaging may be a single or multiple serving size cup or flexible pouch that is stable to pressure and/or microwave processing. The mixture can be loaded into the cup or pouch, which is then vacuum sealed prior to processing. In some embodiments, the mixture may be processed under microwave conditions in either a batch or continuous flow process and then packaged into single or multiple serving-size cups or pouches.

The mixture from which the edible composition is prepared (as further detailed below) may be filled into the container in conventional filling or form-fill-seal equipment. The equipment may be adapted to fill the container with regions of two or more different edible composition mixtures. For example, two different edible composition mixtures may be filled into the container through concentric filling tubes in similar fashion to so-called “one-shot” confectionery molding methods in order to provide a product having a shell of a first edible composition and a core of a second edible composition. Alternatively, two or more different edible composition mixtures may be filled into a package spatially separate from one another in a side-by-side or layered manner.

As previously noted, the body of an exemplary package may comprise or consist essentially of a pouch of flexible sheet material. The pouch may, for example, be a so-called pillow pouch, typically formed by continuous form-fill-seal equipment, or the pouch may be formed by bonding together front and back faces of flexible sheet materials around their marginal edges. In certain embodiments, the pouch may be a stand-up pouch; that is the pouch may be formed by bonding together front and back faces of sheet material around three edges, with a gusset sheet inserted and bonded to the respective fourth edges of the front and back sheets to form a base for the pouch. The total thickness of each flexible wall of the pouch may be, for example, in the range of from about 50 micrometers to about 1000 micrometers, for example from about 100 micrometers to about 500 micrometers.

The pouch may be provided with a nip and/or a line of weakness and/or a tear strip to allow the pouch to be opened more easily after filling. The volume of the edible composition in the package may range in various embodiments from about 20 ml to about 1000 ml, from about 30 ml to about 300 ml, from about 50 ml to about 250 ml. This volume may be appropriate for containing an individual portion of the edible composition suitable for consumption by one person. Typically, the edible composition substantially fills the package.

Packaging of the mixture from which the edible composition is prepared may occur either prior to or after the pressure and/or heat process. In some embodiments, the mixture is placed in packages which are suitable for the subsequent processing, sealed, and then processed in a pressure and/or heat process. In some embodiment, the mixture is processed by a pressure and/or heat process and packaged thereafter. In some embodiments, the processed mixture is cooled prior to packaging. In some embodiments, the processed mixture is packaged before cooling.

IV. Method of Preparation

In general, the various ingredients as set forth above, including a suitable source of co-fruit pulp base material (e.g., a pulp, paste, puree, liquor and/or concentrate), and alternatively a fruit and/or vegetable and/or nut byproduct, is mixed with a suitable hydrocolloid, and then subjected to a suitable pressure and/or heat process that does not undesirably alter (e.g., cook) one or more of the organoleptic properties and/or the nutritional value of the base material. In some embodiments, the source of the base material is a co-fruit paste, a co-fruit puree, a co-fruit liquor or any combination thereof. In an alternative embodiment, the source of the base material is a fruit and/or vegetable and/or nut byproduct. In one or more of these embodiments, the present invention is additionally directed to the preparation of an edible composition as describe above. The mixture is exposed to a pressure and/or heat process, for example, but not limited to, microwave or ultra-high pressure conditions, to provide the edible composition. Such process will render the edible composition commercially sterile. The composition may be packaged either before or after processing. The final product is an edible composition suitable for packaging in single or multiple serving sizes.

The process according to the present invention comprises the addition of a hydrocolloid to the base material. Specific hydrocolloids are described elsewhere herein. The composition typically includes the hydrocolloid from about 0.1 wt. % to 12 wt. %, about 0.2 wt. % to 8 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. % to 6 wt. %. The amount of hydrocolloid in the mixture may be determined based on, for example, the pH of the base material, the method of processing, the water content of the mixture, and/or the desired organoleptic profile of the edible composition.

Typically, the step of preparing the base material is performed at temperatures below about 50° C., or below about 40° C. or below about 20 C. In some embodiments it may be necessary to use refrigeration to control the gelling of pectin/enzyme system. Conditions are selected such as to substantially retain most or all of the natural organoleptic profile and/or nutritional value of the co-fruit pulp base material. It may be necessary to carefully select the preparation temperature based on details of the composition and processing line. Too low a temperature may result in a high viscosity making the composition difficult to pump through the process. On the other hand, too high a temperature may cause premature gelling which also can cause excessive viscosity.

In some embodiments, the mixture may be prepared comprising, or alternatively consisting essentially of, a pulp, a puree, a paste, and/or a concentrate (as defined herein) of the base material in combination with the hydrocolloid and optionally one or more additional ingredients detailed herein. Any fruit and/or vegetable and/or nuts as described above or included in the Examples below is encompassed herein. In one or more embodiments, the mixture comprises, or consists essentially of, about 20-40 wt. % of a paste, or about 25-30 wt. % of a paste, and about 60-75 wt. % of a puree, with the balance being made up other optional ingredients recited herein. In another embodiment, the mixture comprises, or consists essentially of, about 40-80 wt. % of a puree, or about 45-75 wt. % of a puree, and about 20-45 wt. % of a concentrate, or about 25-30 wt. % of a concentrate, with the balance being made up of hydrocolloid and other optional additives recited herein. In yet another embodiment, the mixture may comprise, or consist essentially of, about 75-99 wt. % of a puree, with the balance being made up of hydrocolloid and other optional additives recited herein.

The process according to the present invention optionally further comprises the addition of an enzyme, and more particularly PME, to the base material. As previously noted PME is commercially available and/or may be present in the optionally added fruit and/or vegetable and/or nut material. If added to the mixture, the amount may be selected to optimize gel formation, the texture and/or the organoleptic profile of the edible composition. Typically, from about 0.05 wt. % to about 1.0 wt. %, about 0.3 wt. % to 0.5 wt. % may be added.

In some embodiments, additional optional ingredients may be added to the base material and hydrocolloid prior to mixing as previously noted. These optional ingredients may be selected from the group consisting of a fruit (in the form of a pulp, paste, puree, concentrate, or any combination thereof), a vegetable (in the form of a pulp, paste, puree, concentrate, or any combination thereof), a nut (in the form of a pulp, paste, puree, concentrate, or any combination thereof), an enzyme, an acidulant, a flavoring, a coloring, a sweetener, an antioxidant, a non-dairy based protein source, a fiber source, cocoa flavanols/cocoa liquor/cocoa powder, a nutritional supplement and/or combinations thereof. The mixture may consist or consist essentially of the recited ingredients. These optional ingredients are described elsewhere herein and are typically selected to give the edible composition a specific organoleptic profile and/or nutritional value. Alternatively, one or more of these optional ingredients may be added after comminuting to form a mixture just prior to exposing the mixture to the pressure and/or heat process.

Any fruit and/or vegetable and/or nuts as described above or described in the Examples below is encompassed herein as an optional additional additive. As is known in the art, the skin of a fruit, vegetable or nut may or may not be edible or favored by consumers of the edible composition. In some embodiments the skin of the base material is removed before comminuting. In other embodiments the skin of the base material is not removed before comminuting. The pulp may be comminuted into a substantially smooth puree or it may be a more loosely chopped pulp (e.g. containing, for example, pieces larger than about 1 mm maximum dimension, for example, pieces having maximum dimensions of from about 1 mm to about 5 mm). The resulting comminuted material may be a mixture of smooth puree and larger pieces. The inclusion of some fruit pieces in the puree provides a non-uniform or granular texture in the edible composition that may be preferred by consumers. Preferably, the pulp is a whole pulp wherein none of the components of the flesh of the base material are removed before subsequent processing steps. In some embodiments, the moisture content of the comminuted material is substantially the same as the moisture content of the fruit and/or vegetable from which it was obtained. Typically, fresh fruit pulp has a water content of at least 50 wt. %, least 60 wt. %, least 70 wt. %, at least 80 wt. %, at least 90 wt. % water. As is recognized in the art, different fruit, nut and vegetable pulps and purees will have a different moisture composition. In some embodiments, the water content of the pulp may be reduced by methods known in the art, including for example, but not limited to, evaporation, heating and/or reduced pressure, under conditions that will not have an unwanted effect on the organoleptic properties of the edible composition.

The process according to the present invention comprises blending the ingredients into a smooth or semi-smooth mixture prior to processing under a pressure and/or heat process, typically, for example, ultra-high pressure (UHP) or electromagnetic radiation. Blending is done in an apparatus of appropriate size ranging from a standard commercial food processor or blender to prepare, for example prototype or pilot batches, to a large industrial scale high-shear blender (e.g. production and commercial batches). These techniques are well known in the art.

Pectinase enzymes (specifically PG) depolymerize pectin chains, and in particular, they depolymerize the demethoxylated pectin chain in a fruit pulp. It is an advantage of the present invention that the application of either an ultra-high pressure or an electromagnetic energy process has the effect of at least partially inactivating the endogenous PG in the base material. The presence of PG enzymes in the final composition may give rise to syneresis which is unfavorable in product formulation.

The conditions for either the pressure and/or heat processing of the mixture are generally selected in order to inactivate spoilage enzymes such as peroxidase and PG. Although PME is more resistant to heat and pressure, it has been found, surprisingly, that it is not necessary to inactivate the PME in order to achieve a fully ambient stable product. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the process according to the present invention does not comprise additional stabilizing steps after the pressure and/or heat treatment. In this regard, it should be noted that packaging the edible composition after exposure to the pressure and/or heat treatment is not considered an additional stabilizing step.

Regardless of method by which the mixture is processed, (i.e. exposure to heat and/or pressure conditions), in some embodiments, the bloom of the edible composition may be greater than 250, greater than 300, greater than 400, or even greater than 500, or more. Alternatively, the edible composition may have a bloom typically between about 250 and 500, or about 300 and 400. In these or other embodiments, the gel will have texture strength typically greater than 500 g of force (4.9 N), greater than 1000 g of force (9.8 N), greater than 1500 g of force (14.7 N), greater than 2000 g of force (19.6 N), greater than 2250 g of force (22.1 N), or even greater than 2500 g of force (25.6 N). Alternatively, the edible composition may have a texture strength typically between about 500 and 2500 g of force, or about 1500 and 2500 g of force.

A. Heat Processing

In some embodiments, the mixture comprising the base material, the hydrocolloid, and optional additional ingredients is processed under heat conditions to achieve commercial sterilization. This may lead to demethoxylation of the natural fruit and/or vegetable pectin which may lead to gel formation while simultaneously forming a commercially sterile edible composition. Such techniques are known in the art. In a preferred embodiment the heat process is electromagnetic radiation, especially, but not limited to, microwave radiation.

As is known in the art, microwave processing of foods can result in pasteurization and/or sterilization. It is also used for cooking, drying and preservation of food material. Microwave treatment has the ability to achieve destruction of microorganisms at temperatures lower than that of conventional pasteurization due to significant enhancement or magnification of the thermal effects. It also has a number of quantitative and qualitative advantages over conventional heating techniques. One important advantage in the present application is that the application of microwave radiation to the mixture comprising the base material, the hydrocolloid, and optional additional ingredients may achieve sterilization of the composition without cooking the mixture.

Another advantage of microwave processing is the location of heat generation which is the product itself. The effect of small heat conductivities or heat transfer coefficients is eliminated. Therefore, larger quantities can be heated in a shorter time and with a more even temperature distribution. The shorter time that the mixture is heated prevents it from cooking, or more generally, prevents the undesirable degradation of the organoleptic properties and/or nutritional value of the fruit and/or vegetable base material from which the edible composition is prepared.

Another advantage to microwaves is the rate in which the base material is heated. The temperature of a microwave heated material increases at a much greater rate than a conventionally heated material. This reduces the time the material spends at higher temperatures. The shorter heating time and the shorter time at higher temperature reduces the undesirable degradation of the organoleptic properties and/or nutritional value of the base material from which the edible composition is prepared. This may improve the organoleptic profile and/or nutritional value of the edible composition by preventing the composition from cooking which may in turn improve the consumer appeal of the edible composition.

Exposure to electromagnetic radiation may be done, for example, in either a continuous flow or batch process. In a continuous flow process, the mixture comprising the base material, the hydrocolloid, and any additional optional ingredients is pumped into the applicator or apparatus at a rate such that the exposure of the mixture to the electromagnetic radiation is homogenous, consistent and sufficient to sterilize. The pumping rate may be adjusted to achieve proper exposure while minimizing processing time. In some embodiments the exposure to electromagnetic radiation may be from about 5 seconds to about 20 minutes; from about 15 seconds to about 10 minutes, from about 20 seconds to about 6 minute, or from about 20 seconds to about 1 minute. The composition and flow rate of the mixture, as well as the power of the energy source would determine the optimal exposure time of the edible composition.

In a batch process, the mixture may be placed inside the electromagnetic energy source and exposed to electromagnetic radiation for a predetermined amount of time, which is sufficient to commercially sterilize the mixture. The mixture may optionally be placed inside a separate container that is placed inside the electromagnetic energy source. The predetermined amount of time may be based, for example, on the size of the batch, the power of the energy source, and the composition of the mixture.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the mixture is packaged into single-serving or multi-serving packages prior to batch processing. The packaging material will be safe and stable to electromagnetic radiation, especially safe to microwave processing.

In some embodiments, after exposure to the electromagnetic radiation either from a batch or continuous flow process, the exposed mixture is cooled enough to be handled safely. In some embodiments, the exposed mixture is packaged while still hot and gel formation occurs inside of the package. In other embodiments, the exposed mixture is permitted to cool, and gel formation occurs prior to packaging.

B. Pressure Processing

In some embodiments, the mixture comprising the base material, the hydrocolloid, and any additional optional ingredients is processed under pressure to achieve gel formation. The combination of the pressure and adiabatic temperature increase may be sufficient to commercially sterilize the mixture. In some embodiments, the process is carried out under ultra-high pressure (UHP). The term “UHP” refers to an isostatic pressure of at least about 200 MPa. In some embodiments the pressure is from about 300 MPa to about 690 MPa, from about 350 MPa to about 600 MPa, but higher pressures can also be used. Methods for the UHP treatment of an edible composition are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 8,586,121, which is fully incorporated by reference herein.

Apparatus for performing UHP treatment of foodstuffs are well known. Suitable equipment is, for example, available from Avure Technology Inc. of Seattle, Wash., Flow International Corp., Kobe Steel, Amahe S A of Spain, and Engineered Pressure Systems (Mass, US and Belgium).

The pressure and duration of the UHP treatment is generally sufficient to commercially sterilize the mixture and typically may be from about 1 minute to about 30 minutes, from about 2 minutes to about 15 minutes, from about 4 minutes to about 10 minutes.

In some embodiments the mixture is placed in single or multiple serving packages that are stable to the pressure conditions, sealed, and exposed to pressure. In other embodiments, the mixture is exposed to pressure followed by packaging.

The application of UHP to the edible composition causes an adiabatic temperature rise in the material under pressure. The magnitude of this temperature rise depends on the pressure, but is typically about 10° C. to 15° C. for a pressure of 400-500 MPa. The resulting peak temperature of the product is referred to as the peak pressurization temperature. The temperature increase is such that the adiabatic temperature rise is not sufficient to cause undesirable degradation of the organoleptic profile of the mixture from which the edible composition is prepared, and more specifically, is not sufficient to cook the mixture. The temperature of the mixture may subsequently fall during the pressurization treatment due to heat loss through the walls of the pressure vessel.

Exemplary UHP conditions are: vessel temperature about 30° C., pressure about 400 MPa (which leads to a maximum processing temperature of about 40° C., due to the adiabatic heating), and duration about 5 minutes. However, these conditions may be varied based on the composition of the mixture to achieve optional gel formation and commercial sterilization of the edible composition.

The invention is illustrated by, but not limited to, the following Examples.

EXAMPLES Example 1. Cacao-Fruit Confection with Pectin Produced in a Batch Microwave Method

Several samples of a combination cacao and fruit confection containing added pectin were prepared according to the ingredient list in Table 1 (approximately 1.4 kg scale). The ingredients were combined and blended into a smooth paste with the additional fruit flavor and PME being added right at the end of mixing to minimize loss of flavor and shear on the enzyme. The blended mixture was placed in a microwave suitable pressure cooker and heated at full power (1000 W kitchen microwave) for six to eighteen minutes. The pressure cooker was cooled enough to safely open. The still warm composition was immediately transferred into suitable, single serving plastic cups (5 to 20 g per package or 100 to 120 g per package), sealed and cooled to ambient temperature.

TABLE 1 Cacao-Fruit Confection Ingredients with Pectin Prepared by a Batch Microwave Method Ingredients Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Frozen (defrosted) Cacao 68.53  68.53  68.86  puree (Agro Innova) Paradise ® Mango Paste 27.28  — — (78 brix) Paradise ® Pineapple Paste — 27.28  — (78 brix) Cacao Paste — — 27.28  Cargill ® Unipectin LM, 3.10 3.10 3.10 PG225S Mango flavor 0.33 — — (Takasago ®) Pineapple flavor — 0.33 — (Takasago ®) Ascorbic acid 0.05 0.05 0.05 Calcium Lactate 0.36 0.36 0.36 Novoshape ® PME 0.36 0.36 0.36 All values are in weight % of the whole.

Example 2. Cacao-Fruit Confection Produced by a Batch Microwave Method

Several samples of a combination cacao and fruit confection containing agar were prepared according to the ingredient list in Table 2 using the method as describe in Example 1 above (approximately 0.7 kg scale).

TABLE 2 Cacao-Fruit Confection Ingredients with Agar Prepared by a Batch Microwave Method Ingredients Sample 4 Sample 5 Cacao puree (from Ecuador, 97.6 36.71 pH ~3.5, MC ~90%) Flavor (Grapefruit natural 0.40 — WONF TAK-660987) Mango puree (Trader Joe's — 36.71 frozen chunks) Flavor (Mango natural — 0.40 WONF TAK-660957) Treetop ® mango puree — 24.47 concentrate (28 Brix) Agar 2.0 1.71 All values are in weight % of the whole.

Example 3. Cacao Paste and Cacao Liquor Confection Produced by a Batch Microwave Method

Several samples of a combination cacao paste and cacao liquor containing pectin were prepared according to the ingredient list in Table 3 using a variation of the method as describe in Example 1 above (approximately 0.7 kg scale). In this variation of the batch microwave processing method, the batch was manually stirred halfway through the heating to ensure that the cacao liquor was fully melted and uniformly blended. In Sample 8, chia seeds were used as the source of pectin, ascorbic acid and calcium lactate.

TABLE 3 Cacao Liquor Confections Produced by a Batch Microwave Method Ingredients Sample 6 Sample 7 Sample 8 Frozen (defrosted) Cacao 61.14 46.94 59.94 puree (Agro Innova) Cacao Paste 20.00 21.20 21.20 Cacao Liquor (Blommer) 15.00 25.00 15.00 (100%) Cargill ® Unipectin LM, 3.10 3.10 — PG225S Ascorbic Acid 0.05 0.05 — Calcium lactate 0.36 0.36 — Chia seeds — — 3.86 Novoshape ® PME 0.36 0.36 All values are in weight % of the whole.

Example 4. Cacao Confections

Several samples of a pure cacao pulp confection were prepared on approximately 0.5 kg scale using the method as described in Example 1 above. See Table 4 for the list of ingredients.

TABLE 4 Cacao Confections with Pectin Produce by a Batch Microwave Method Ingredients Sample 9 Sample 10 Frozen (defrosted) cacao 96.55 96.19 puree Cargill ® Unipectin LM, 3.45 3.10 PG225S Calcium Lactate — 0.36 Novoshape ® PME — 0.36 All values are in weight % of the whole.

Example 5. Water and pH Analysis of Cacao Pulp Samples

The pH and water activity (A_(W)) of the prototype examples was measure using standard techniques and is presented in Table 5 below. As can be seen from the data, pure cacao pulp (Samples 6 to 8) imparts a pH of about 4.0 to 4.1 to the final edible composition, while added fruit material lowers the pH. As is known in the art, gel formation is pH dependent, so the effect of pH on gel strength was examined in Example 6 below.

TABLE 5 pH and Water Activity Data Example No. pH Water Activity (A_(W)) Sample 1 3.44 0.941 Sample 2 3.45 0.955 Sample 3 3.56 0.949 Sample 4 3.55 1.0 Sample 5 3.50 1.0 Sample 6 3.98 0.95 Sample 7 4.08 0.951 Sample 8 4.08 0.960

Example 6. Acidulant Effect on Gel Formation

Because many fruits, especially citrus fruit such as mangos, oranges and lemons, are acidic, and pH is known to affect gel strength, it is important to determine the optimal pH and hydrocolloid concentration in the product formulation. To determine the optimal pH for gel formation in the edible composition, samples with varying amounts of acidulant were prepared according to the data in Table 6 below. The gel strength was then determined empirically by applying force to the container. The presence, or lack thereof, of wrinkle formation in the gel provides a quick empirical observation of relative gel strength.

TABLE 6 Relative Gel Strength for Agar Formulations Prepared via UHP Conditions Sample Sample Sample Sample Sample Sample Sample Ingredients 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Citric Acid — 0.1M 0.2M 0.3M 0.3M 0.4M 0.5M pH 7 2.57 2.4 2.3 2.3 2.2 2.0 Agar 0.575% 0.575% 0.575% 0.575% 1.75% 0.575% 0.575% Gel ✓✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓✓ No No No Strength

As can be seen in the data in Table 6, gel formation is directly affected by the pH of the sample. Lower pH formulations (Samples 15 to 17) did not form a gel while the higher pH samples did (more check marks indicates an empirically stronger gel). Example 11, the control, formed the strongest gel with no acid present while Examples 12 and 13, with progressively higher acid concentrations and lower pH, formed weaker gels until the acid concentration and pH reached a point where no gel even formed. An increase in the Agar concentration at pH 2.3 (compare Samples 14 and 15) results in gel formation. From this data, it is determined that either the pH of the mixture, the hydrocolloid concentration, or preferably both should be optimized to form the edible composition with the desired organoleptic profile.

Sample 18: Coffee Cherry Pulp Based Confection

The products shown in Table 1 may be produced substituting coffee cherry pulp (in fresh, frozen or canned form) for the cacao pulp.

Sample 19: Cashew Apple Pulp Based Confection

The products shown in Table 1 may be produced substituting cashew apple pulp (in fresh, frozen or canned form) for the cacao pulp.

Example 7 Samples for Compression Testing

Samples were prepared using the heat method process similar to Example 1 according to the formulas in Table 7.

TABLE 7 Sam- Sam- Sam- Sam- Sam- Sam- ple ple ple ple ple ple 20 21 22 23 24 25 Fruit Mango puree 0 0 0 60 0 60 puree (~28brix) Mixed berry 0 0 0 0 60 0 puree (~28brix) Fruit paste concentrate 0 27.28 27.28 0 0 0 (~78brix) Cacao Fruit Pulp 98.6 71.32 68.5 38.6 34.4 37.6 Gelling Agar 1 1 0 1 1 1 System Gellan Gum 0 0 0 0 0 1 LM Pectin 0 0 3.1 0 0 0 PME 0 0 0.36 0 0 0 Calcium 0 0 0.36 0 0 0 Lactate Natural Flavor 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 Protein powder 0 0 0 0 0 0 Fiber powder 0 0 0 4.2 0 Total % 100 100 100 100 100 100

Initial Bite Compression Testing according to the above 1.00 mm/sec method was performed on three commercially available fruit candies (Starburst Original Orange, Starburst Gummies Orange and Kasugai Mango Gummies), Fruit-based shelf stable products (That's It Apple/Mango and That's It Apple/Blueberry), as well as five samples of fresh fruit (Mango, Strawberry, Banana, Peach and Pineapple). The results are shown in FIG. 4 . As can be seen, the candies and fruit based products had initial bite force values ranging from 5000 to 25000 grams, whereas the fresh fruit samples had initial bite force values well below 2500 grams.

Compression Testing was then run on the compositions of Samples 20-25 and these were plotted against the fresh fruit products in FIG. 5 . Note that the fresh fruit values ranged from 500 g to about 2500 grams while inventive samples ranged from about 300 g to about 4100 grams. This demonstrates that it is possible to match the initial bite force of typical fresh fruits when preparing compositions according to the teachings of the present invention.

Additional samples were made according to the formulas in Table 8 using the process of Example 1.

TABLE 8 Sample Sample Sample Sample Sample Sample Sample Ingredient 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 CCP (Cacao Puree) 95.58 65.98 0 0 0 0 0 Chocolate liquor 0 15 0 0 0 0 0 (unsweetened) Mango chunks 0 0 68.03 71.53 50 67.45 47.865 (Trader Joes' frozen mango chunks) Mango Puree 0 0 24.47 24.47 0 0 0 Concentrate (Treetop Brand) Mango paste 0 0 0 0 45.73 27.28 0 concentrate (Paradise Brand) Carrot chunks 0 0 0 0 0 0 47.865 Whole Wild 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 Blueberry frozen pieces (Trader Joe's) Cayenne Pepper 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 (1%) Monk fruit 0.15 0.15 0 0 0 0 0 Citric Acid 0 0 0 2.5 Honey 0 15 0 0 0 0 0 Agar (AG-SW) 0 0 1.1 1.1 0 0 0 LME (Cargill 3.1 3.1 0 0 3.1 3.1 3.1 Unipectin LM) Pectinase PME 0.36 0.36 0 0 0.36 0.36 0.36 (NOVOSHAPE) Calcium Lactate 0.36 0.36 0 0 0.36 0.36 0.36 Ascorbic Acid 0.05 0.05 0 0 0.05 0.05 0.05 Orange Flavor 0.4 0 0 0 0 0 0 Mango Flavor 0 0 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 Total 100 100 100 100 100 100 100

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making any compositions and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An edible composition comprising: a mixture comprising (a) cacao pulp, and (b) a hydrocolloid selected from the group consisting of xanthan gum, agar, gellan gum, locust bean gum, carrageenan, guar gum, tamarind gum and combinations thereof, wherein said edible composition (i) is dimensionally stable as a semi-solid or a solid for at least 3 months, (ii) is stable for at least 9 months at ambient conditions when maintained in a sealed package, (iii) has a moisture content of greater than 50 wt. %, (iv) has a pH of less than 4.5, (v) has a water activity of at least 0.5, (vi) is commercially sterile, (vii) is free of artificial flavors, (viii) has a solids content of greater than 10 wt. %, (ix) exhibits no syneresis when stored at ambient conditions for at least 3 months, (x) has a hydrocolloid concentration provided by the hydrocolloid in the mixture of about 2 wt. % to about 12 wt. %, and (xi) is free from added pectin, and wherein the edible composition is contained in a sealed package.
 2. The composition according to claim 1, further comprising pectin methyl esterase.
 3. The composition according to claim 1, further comprising one or more additives, wherein said additives are selected from the group consisting of a fruit, a vegetable, a nut, an acidulant, a non-dairy based protein source, a fiber source, cocoa flavanols/cocoa liquor/cocoa powder, a nutritional supplement, a sweetener, a divalent metal ion, an antioxidant, a coloring, a flavoring and combinations thereof.
 4. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the water activity is greater than 0.7.
 5. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the water activity is greater than 0.9.
 6. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the pH is less than 4.2.
 7. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the hydrocolloid is agar, gellan gum, or a combination thereof.
 8. The composition according to claim 3, wherein the additive is a fruit, and the fruit is selected from the group consisting of mango, pineapple, and/or grapefruit.
 9. The composition according to claim 3, wherein the additive is an acidulant, and the acidulant is selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, fumaric acid, ascorbic acid and mixtures thereof and/or acidic fruit juice.
 10. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition has an initial bite compression force of less than 5000 grams.
 11. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition has an initial bite compression force of no more than 2500 grams.
 12. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition has an initial bite compression force of less than 1500 grams.
 13. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the cacao pulp is in the form of a liquor or juice.
 14. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition is a confection and wherein the composition is free of refined sugar or other sweeteners.
 15. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition exhibits no syneresis when stored at ambient conditions for at least 12 months. 